Translucent garnet ruby in color, needed some time to opened up (left in glass for 3 hours), medium bodied, nose of spices, integrated oak, tobacco, dried cherries, soft on the palate, slightly sweet, cherry, tobacco and earthy. Thinner than expected, but good levels of acidity.

Had lots of work to catch up at this weekend (still), and this was a welcomed sipper along with the financial statements

Eng, this is a great wine. When you say thin, I almost want to equate this to mature. Sweet as in tannins being resolved into sweet fruit. This is still one of the old styles of the Rioja that is beautifully made but retains a QP price. Right now, I'm drinking through some of the '00s. Also very good although it's not quite as good as the '99.

I guess this is me rambling......

Would love to be drinking this right now. Instead I'm putting down some Sherry. Another story all together....